Many of us have spent the last few days… or if you are organized like me, weeks trying to round up gifts that are meaningful and well thought-out. Father’s Day is a difficult holiday to shop for. This is not because lotto tickets, power tools, or golf accessories are hard to come by, but because many of us have a father or father figure who gave us innumerable gifts, the most significant being the wisdom learned from a lifetime of experiences.
Between his corny dad jokes, and sometimes embarrassing “ness”, my Dad has imparted on me some of my greatest life lessons. In honor of Father’s Day, I want to share some of these with you.
Rainbow Is a Hello from Someone You Love
When I was between the age of 3 or 4 my Dad’s Father died. I was too young to understand this, but I did understand that my dad was really sad. I knew this not only intuitively, but because he spent what seemed like an entire day in bed….not typical dad behavior.
Shortly after this, on the way to daycare one morning we saw a rainbow. My Dad told me, “That must be Grampa saying hi to us, and letting us know he is ok.” To this day whenever I see a rainbow I think of my Dad, and that special moment in the truck…..Then I think of the loved ones I have lost….and I wonder which one is checking in to say Hi.
Never ASS-U-ME, It Makes and Ass out of you and me
At the tender age of about ten years old my dad bestowed this somewhat witty gem on me. I really don’t think it needs much more explanation. If you have ever assumed anything in your life you have likely already been humbled by its lesson.
Don’t wish it Away
As a new parents we are looking forward to the milestones, for both pleasure and for our own sanity.“I can’t wait till he can sit up on his own, I am looking forward to when he can hold the bottle, or sleep through the night, and I wonder when he will walk??”
During one of these moments my Dad stopped me by saying, “Don’t wish it away.” My son is two and I have no idea where the time has gone. My step-daughter is graduating this year, I swear she was 12 and hiding posters of boys behind other posters just a few years ago. My step son is turning 11 and not too long ago he was the incredible hulk and a fireman all at once. I look back at pictures from when they were younger longingly missing and savoring those precious memories. I no longer wish for the future, I savor the chaotic present, because I know it too will be over far too soon.
My Dad has given me a lot of advice over the years: Wear a helmet. Get good grades. Don’t drive too fast. You’re too good for him. Get a good job. You should be writing.
And while I followed (most of) that advice, it’s not necessarily the wisdom that stands out. What I really remember are the bigger lessons—the stuff that I still think about and use in my daily life, and my career. These little tidbits are advice that my dad probably didn’t even realize he was giving me at the time. Thank you Dad for being incredibly insightful and profound when I need to hear it the most.
Happy Father’s Day!
Now that you’ve heard about my dad, I’d love to hear about yours — whether it’s about parenting, life, or the perfect BBQ. . Please share yours below
These are all great lessons! My favorite one my dad taught me (that I wish I did better) is to put others before yourself. He is the most giving and selfless person I know!
This is such a fun idea for an article. I loved it!
Very inspiring post you have there. My dad will always says to me “Trust in God always and you will never go wrong.”
These are valuable lessons your dad taught you ! The one thing I remember most that my dad taught me was to always look to comfort those around you …. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed something….
Your dad sounds like a smart guy! I love this advice. It’s wonderful when parents give kids good advice. I have lots from my mom.
I love this list. My dad taught me so many amazing things throughout my life including to always keep striving for better which I plan on doing. I love the rainbow is a hello from a loved one that has passed. Your father sounds like an amazing man!
This is a beautiful post, I love it. It also really inspires me to be great dad one day when I get the opportunity to do so. I hope I do.
Thank you for the inspiration!
My father has taught me so much about life as well. They’re amazing at what they do. I think these life lessons are really important to take with you as you go along life.
We are in the middle of writing our Father’s Day post. We celebrated with our dad at our favorite Indian restaurant.
These are great and valuables lessons fur dad. I still remember when I was a kid. I have heard exactly the same thing from my dad.
Thank you for this heartwarming post. I loved the story about how whenever you see a rainbow now, it reminds you of your dad. That’s so sweet.